IMO the 500 HO hands down, when I went to buy a new quad I had my mind set on a 400 but after riding the 500 HO I left the dealer with it.No much difference in the price I have been happy ever since that day. Don't get me wrong the 400 was a great quad,but if you think you are likley to kick your self in the rear later because for a few more bucks you could have gotten a powerful quad go with the 500HO

 

When i sat on the 500 it just felt a little to big. Plus its really balky

 

And really powerfull !
You are the 1 buying a quad so buy what you like, I and just like others on here are just tring to tell you what experince we have had with what we have and seen. But it boils down to this-if you like the 400 get it. No one will knock you for it. Its a Polaris and you just can't go wrong with a Sportsman no matter the size that you choose. Polaris has 1 of the best AWD in the market, I will testifiy to that.

 

Ya just got done riding a friends 04 sportsman 500. Didnt seem quite as big as i thought it was. That thing plows through the snow. It has plenty of power for me. I think I will get the 500. After that ride i just cant stop thinking about it, its awsome!!

 

You will like it,and then fall in love with it,then probley do some mods then,awwwwwwwwwww. Sorry LOL, Those engines have a lot more power then what you see from the dealer. It takes some $ to unleash it.- I guess you should buy 1 first before you get into this area.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

he aint kidding! i fell in love with mine! it is a great machine. i even think i would marry it if i could.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] lol.

 

Hmmmm....Now i must wait until I have the $$.......Hopefully by this christmas Ill own one. Seems like forever, and with my current quad broke, and i dont se it being fixed for well......ever, it will seem reall long. arg

 

Hey brain213 I noticed you have crap next to hotseat perfom exhaust I all most got it do you care to say why you thinks its crap.

 

I have been borrowing a Honda 300 to ride around with my friends and we rode all over Paragon park and I followed them every where they went. They rode scramblers, sportsmans(500,700) and a 400ex. Well my wife surprised me with a new 2004.5 sportsman 500 HO for Christmas and needless to say I'm one lucky man!!!! My point is if you know what type of rider you are and what kind of bike you want ,be happy with what ever you get! To answer your question I love the power and what my 500 can do , my buddies have 7 scamblers and they all love their rides. I'm more ute than sport, but my next bike will be a scrambler.! I love what dontgetbehindme has done for mods and as the funds come in thats my plan to mod my ride.

poolman316

 

sorry dontgetbehindme, let me clarify

it has broken 4 times because it rusted through, and the silencer has fell apart on both ends....luckily my dad, a friend, and i were able to fix it.

the performance i wanted was there...just not the reliability i needed.

thats why i say crap

sorry for any confusion

Wes